Chapter 26 Chapter Twenty Six

On the way into Shu, one night in the "Han Palace", Madam Qi suddenly screamed.At this moment, she was pregnant, but she was frightened by a big snake with a core spit out, and then shouted: "Help, my lord!" As soon as Liu Bang opened his eyes, he saw the snake. He grabbed the snake's tail lightly and threw it several feet away.Then he ordered: "Come on, throw it out." Immediately two attendants rushed in and took the snake away.Seeing that the matter was dealt with, Liu Bang fell down indifferently and continued to sleep. Madam Qi felt lingering fear, she grabbed Liu Bang and said, "Your Majesty, this place is really scary."

Liu Bang comforted: "It's all right." Madam Qi asked, "What kind of place is this?" Liu Bang said: "This is the Han Palace that Xiao He built for me!" Madam Qi replied suspiciously: "Oh, the palace?" Then she looked around in surprise and heard the sound of an ape in the distance, and asked again: "What sound?" Liu Bang smiled and said, "That's the cry of an ape." Madam Qi was so frightened that she was going crazy, she hurriedly asked, "Ape, what is it?" Liu Bang smiled and said, "It's a monkey."

Madam Qi whispered, "My God." Liu Bang was still sleepy and fell asleep again.Madam Qi hugged Liu Bang tightly with some fear. Liu Bang looked at her and said, "You don't have any blood on your face." Madam Qi said softly, "I'm hungry." Liu Bangdao: "You cry hungry every day!" Madam Qi said: "The whole army is starving!" Liu Bang said, "Shut up." Madam Qi immediately said, "It's the child in my belly who is hungry." Liu Bang softened his tone and said, "I will arrange for Fan Kuai and the others to hunt some wild game to make up for you."

Madam Qi asked, "How long will we stay in this mountain?" Liu Bang said: "Stay forever!" Madam Qi asked again: "Always?" Liu Bang asked back: "Why, you don't want to?" Madam Qi immediately said: "I am willing, as long as I am with the King." Liu Bang stroked Mrs. Qi's slightly raised belly and said, "Do you know who you are now? You are now a princess. A princess should put the overall situation first." Mrs. Qi said: "Your Majesty, I can endure all kinds of hardships, but the baby in my stomach is pitiful..."

Liu Bang lost his temper completely, put his arms around Madam Qi, and stroked her gently. Madam Qi looked up, looked at Liu Bang with tears in her eyes, and said, "We'll make it through, we won't stay here forever, will we? Tell me, my lord." Liu Bang felt stuck in his throat, and finally spit out two words slowly: "No." At dawn, the sky is getting brighter.Outside the military tent, while cooking the roots, Xiao He broke a small piece of salt and threw it in.Lu Wan walked over. Xiao He said, "Come on! Sit down and have a taste. Boil the roots with salt."

Lu Wan said: "No. Prime Minister, let me tell you that another two hundred people escaped last night...including two generals." Xiao He said calmly: "Compared to two days ago, it's much less." Lu Wan said: "Prime Minister, the food will run out sooner or later. People keep freezing to death and running away. What should we do now? I was thinking, will we still have to eat bark when we arrive in Nanzheng?" Xiao He calmly took out a small cloth bag from his arms and said, "This is the way." Lu Wan's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Can it be eaten?" He immediately poured out the contents of the bag, but it turned out to be a piece of dirt, and immediately said disappointedly, "Your prime minister, you should keep it for yourself."

Xiao He said: "I have consulted the ancient books of the Qin Palace, and it is recorded that the soil in the middle of Shu is fertile, which is good for farming. So you go and tell the soldiers, stick to the last part of the road, and when we reach Nanzheng, we won't be hungry again." Lu Wan asked: "Is it only based on these soils?" Xiao He said: "The common people in Sichuan live in the mountains. They have lived like this for thousands of years. They never know that they can cultivate the land for a living. When we go, let those common people come out of the mountains and teach them to cultivate the land. I don't worry about it." Food?"

Lu Wan asked dubiously, "But what can we grow in such a dangerous place?" Xiao He said: "As shown in the ancient records of the Qin Palace, there were records of keeping six livestock and six poultry in Shu. It was only later that Emperor Shihuang felt that the road was rough and difficult, so he let go of it. This is where prisoners were exiled. Dogs, doves, quails, pheasants, and pigeons, we can still raise them! Fish and mussels are easier to lay eggs than in the dry land of Zhao and Wei. Things like cress, algae, leeks, shepherds, peaches, plums, apricots, pears, etc. , it's even easier!"

Lu Wan swallowed her saliva and said, "But, we don't have seeds? Do they fall from the sky?" Xiao He said seriously: "Yes, it cannot fall from the sky." Lu Wan became depressed again. Xiao He said: "When I set off from Xianyang, I was ready." Lu Wan asked in surprise: "Prime Minister, you even brought such things?" Xiao He said: "I have brought them, and they have all kinds. I have always brought people who can farm. As long as we get through this last part of the road, everything will be fine." At night, the two corporals walked into a country tavern with Han Xin.There were already a dozen Han army brothers sitting inside, shouting happily, and there were smashed earthen jars, broken sticks and other items on the ground.Seeing three people appearing at the door, he hurriedly greeted loudly: "Captain! Come here! There is meat and wine!"

The tall corporal said: "Hey, I thought we found it first, so you guys have already smelled it!" A brother said: "Hey, I drank wild vegetable soup all the way, and I didn't touch any serious food. Ya, I saw smoke coming from the kitchen from afar, so I ran over here! Come here! There is wine!" Han Dao said: "Drinking alcohol in private is against military orders..." The tall corporal laughed, and said: "If you go out of the camp without permission, you have to be punished. Didn't we come out too? Don't worry about it! Every day is happy. Store! Get some more wine!"

The brother said: "This shopkeeper is cunning, and he hides the wine and meat, which annoys the brothers so that they can be beaten up. He is honest!" Han Xin asked, "Where are people?" The brother said: "I went to the village. We pooled some money and asked him to buy a sheep and kill it to eat!" Han Xin thought for a while and said, "Captain, take the brothers and leave quickly!" The tall corporal asked in astonishment: "Why?!" Han Xin said: "The folk customs here are tough, and the shopkeeper will never let it go. If you don't leave now, it will be too late!" The tall corporal said: "What can he do? Are we still afraid of him? Besides, it's for money, not robbery!" The brother also said, "That's right! Why, are you afraid? Are you a softie, Han Xin?" Saying this, the brother stretched out his arms, and raised the jug to Han Xin.Han Xin thought for a while, and suddenly felt sad, so he smashed the jar, took the jug, took a sip and said, "Drink, drink, maybe it will make people feel better when they are drunk." Han Xin and two corporal leaders joined in, and a dozen or so people sat scattered in the tavern, drinking loudly, giving up on themselves, and drowning their sorrows with alcohol.Several people were punching and shouting, but they stopped suddenly. A dozen or so villagers, maybe more, crowded at the door, staring at them.The Hanjun brothers looked at each other, and suddenly burst into laughter, thinking, why are you afraid of this formation if you haven't seen it before?They threw down the jug and pieces of meat, jumped on them, and fought with the villagers! Han Xin drank and ate meat by himself, but did not join the battle group.Someone was stumbling over, but Han Xin just turned his body slightly to let him go, and continued to gnaw on the chicken bone with relish—he had been hungry for too long. Suddenly, Han Xin saw the tall corporal leader surrounded by three villagers, sandwiching him, and beating him violently.Han Xin threw the chicken bone, and without a word, he rushed forward, punched him one by one, and fell to the ground! The crowd continued to fight—— The next day, Xia Houying was leading the soldiers and the short and stocky shopkeeper, and was going from camp to camp to identify people.The seven or eight soldiers who had been captured behind Xia Houying were tied into long strings with ropes.Han Xin is burning the slips, it looks like he is warming up.The shopkeeper looked nervously at each person's face, but no one responded. Han Xin was doing his own thing calmly without raising his eyelids. Xia Houying said to the shopkeeper, "Is there any? If not, leave!" The owner replied: "No!" Xia Houying waved his hand, and the team went to the next camp again. The owner suddenly said: "Wait a minute! There is him!" He pointed at Han Xin as he said so. Xia Houying asked, "What's your name?" Han Xin said: "Han Xin!" Xia Houying asked: "You are so stubborn, why don't you run away?" Han Dao said, "I have nowhere to go. Military law is like a mountain. If you break the law, you should be punished. There is nothing to say." Xia Houying pointed to the bamboo slip in Han Xin's hand and asked, "What are you doing?" Han Xin said: "I wrote this myself, and I will burn it." Xia Houying grabbed the bamboo tube from Han Xin's hand, looked at it carefully and asked, "What are you writing?" Han Xin said, "Look for yourself." Han Xin squinted at Xia Houying, and lowered his head coldly. He felt that he couldn't talk to Xia Houying. Xia Houying noticed it, and immediately said, "I don't need to ask you if I understand it?! I know it, but it doesn't know me!" Han Xin said: "Please forgive me for being rude, even if you explain, you still don't understand." Xia Houying said sullenly, "Stop talking nonsense! Take it away!" All the people came forward to tie Han Xin with a rope and took him away.Xia Houying looked around for a while, and finally her eyes fell on Han Xin's couch, which was much higher than other places.Xia Houying stretched out her hand and lifted the quilt on the mat. It didn't matter if she didn't lift it, but Xia Houying froze on the spot!I saw that under the mat, there were bamboo slips, and there were three floors up and down. Xia Houying ordered: "Come here, take all of these away!" The guard immediately stepped forward, picked up the bamboo slips, and carried them away. Xia Houying hurried into Xiao He's tent.Xiao He happened to be writing something with a knife and pen. Seeing Xia Houying's appearance, he was startled. Xia Houying said, "Prime Minister, I want to ask you something!" Xiao He said, "Ask." Xia Houying said: "How many soldiers in our Han army can read?" Xiao He said: "Just kidding, even if all the soldiers in the world are counted, there are very few people who can read a few words! I'm afraid there are none at all?" Xia Houying said: "Prime Minister, you might as well take a look at this." Saying this, he waved his hand, and the soldier presented the bamboo slip to Xiao He.Xia Houying said again: "Today, I was executed under the order of General Cao Shen, and I spared one's life." Xiao He watched casually, and gradually became serious. Xiao He suddenly showed a smile, took a breath and called out: "Yah, this is your soldier?" Xia Houying said, "Yes! That's right!" Xiao He asked, "What about people now?" Xia Houying said: "It's time to ask for beheading! It violated military discipline. Your Majesty's words are that these people must not be spared!" Xiao He asked, "Apart from these, is there anything else?" Xia Houying said: "Not only are there... I almost filled a cart! If you want to see it, I will bring it in for you." He turned to the soldiers and said, "Did you hear that?" Xiao He said, "Bring that man to me." Xia Houying responded, "Okay!" Xiao He said again: "Wait! Where is he? I'll go with you!" At this time, Lu Wan accidentally passed by Xiao He's camp.He saw Xia Houying took Han Xin outside Xiao He's tent, and Han Xin entered the tent.Xia Houying turned and left.Seeing this, Lu Wan was thoughtful.Immediately turned around and went to Liu Bang. Liu Bang said: "Xia Houying is not so courageous, you made a mistake." Lu Wan said: "During the execution, I saw it there with my own eyes. It can't be wrong." Liu Bang said: "What do you mean? Let the widow deal with A Ying?" Lu Wan said, "I dare not. I just thought that Xia Houying would not deliberately violate the military law. Could it be that he thinks that person is useful and a talent?" Liu Bang said: "A Ying can judge people? He can only judge horses. It doesn't matter whether a soldier kills or not. Brothers are all suffering, and I understand it in my heart. I won't mention this matter, it's a trivial matter." Lu Wan said: "Xia Houying will be mistaken, but the prime minister probably won't? I saw that man enter Master Xiao He's tent with my own eyes." Liu Bang was aroused, thinking about it and said: "What do you mean by this? Even Xiao He is involved in making such a big commotion because of a soldier?" Xiao He walked into Liu Bang's camp, and bowed deeply.Liu Bang observed Xiao He carefully, and suddenly said, "Xiao He, how should I punish you?" Xiao He smiled and said, "Master, I don't know what mistake I made." Liu Bang said: "Let me ask you, how should soldiers be punished for fighting with common people?" Xiao He said: "According to the military law, it should be executed." Liu Bang asked, "Then why let him go?" Xiao He said: "My lord, I'm about to report to you. Yes, I left a person on my own initiative. I didn't inform my lord in time. Xiao He is guilty." Liu Bang said: "You are so bold, this is not like what you did." Xiao He said: "My lord, Xiao He doesn't dare to bend the law for personal gain. The reason for doing this is because this criminal is extraordinary. My lord may need him in the future." Liu Bang said: "What's so special about a guy who drinks, steals and makes trouble?" Xiao He said: "Look at this and you will understand. Someone—" As soon as the curtain was lifted, seven or eight soldiers came in one after another, each holding a tall stack of bamboo slips with both arms. Xiao He said, "Just put it here!" The bamboo slip fell to the ground, and smoke and dust rose up with a "poof".The soldiers threw down the bamboo slips and went out to hold them again. The stream continued, seemingly endlessly, and more and more bamboo slips were piled up—Liu Bang was a little surprised. He picked up a bamboo slip, flipped through it, and looked at it carefully.Xiao He watched Liu Bang's expression from the side. Liu Bang asked: "He wrote this all by himself?" Xiao He replied: "Yes." Liu Bang asked, "What's his name?" Xiao He said, "His name is Han Xin." In the place where the soldiers were detained, the other soldiers had been executed, and only Han Xin was still detained here.Han Xinxin looked at the sky, his arms were tied behind him, and he looked like he didn't care about life and death.Xia Houying came in and said excitedly: "Your life is really terrible, the king of Han will spare your life, now you will not die!" As he spoke, he untied Han Xin, and then said solemnly: "The king of Han has an order to make Han Xin the captain of Zhisu, and everything will be ordered by the prime minister." Han Xin didn't appreciate it, and asked, "Captain Zhisu? Just a captain?" Xia Houying said: "Hey, you are so loud! You should thank the prime minister for saving your life!" Han Xin said to himself: "It's better to kill me." Then he walked away proudly, leaving Xia Houying dumbfounded. In this way, Han Xin started to take care of the warehouse.On this day, he was instructing the handymen to carry food, Xiao He came over, patted Han Xin on the shoulder and said, "You are not just a soldier at last, try to help me do things." Han Xin glanced around and said, "Can you count for me?" Xiao Hedao: "I know you want to lead troops to fight. This is also a battlefield. My map can be used as a battlefield by you, why not here?" Han Xin said: "This is obviously a granary, but it is still a granary without food." Xiao He said: "The root of war is supplies. You think you know how to fight. You should understand such a simple truth, right? The king of Han asked you to be the captain of Zhisu, which is also a good training for you. Do it well." Han Xin smiled wryly and didn't answer. Xiang Yu returned to Pengcheng.The people of Chu State lined the road to greet and cheer.Xiang Yu is riding on the horse, proud of the spring breeze, and his complacency is beyond words. Xiang Yu asked: "Where is that old boy Liu Bang?" Fan Zeng said: "Zhang Han sent someone to send news that Liu Bang is more than a hundred miles away from Nanzheng." Xiang Yu said: "I thought he was starving to death." Fan Zeng said solemnly: "Liu Bang has great ambitions, and he will not die so easily." Xiang Yu said unhappily: "I said it casually, does Yafu need to be so serious?" Fan Zeng didn't answer. After another twenty steps, Fan Zeng said in a low voice, "Why doesn't Emperor Yi come out to greet him?" Xiang Yu said: "Sheep boy, does it matter if he comes or not?" Fan Zeng said: "Nominally speaking, he is still the leader in the hearts of Chu people." Xiang Yu said: "Isn't the leader riding a horse with a strange old man beside him, accepting the cheers of the villagers?" Fan Zeng said, "Yu'er, you should be more serious." Xiang Yu said unhappily: "Every time I am the happiest, you must be by my side, but every time you show up, you will say something disappointing. Just like now!" Fan Zeng argued: "The old man has..." Xiang Yu imitated his appearance and tone and said: "The old man is over seventy, I don't know how many days he can live, everything is for you, Yuer. Splash a ladle of cold water on him when he is most proud, happy!" Fan Zeng said without changing his face: "How can you make fun of the old man?" Xiang Yu called out, "Father Ya." Fan Zeng replied seriously: "Yes." Xiang Yu said: "Can't you just smile? Look at everyone laughing. This is the smile of victory!" Fan Zeng smiled stiffly.Xiang Yu was completely bored, and slapped Fan Zeng's ass hard, leaving Fan Zeng behind. In Wei Bao's palace, a scroll of brocade silk was placed on the case table.Wei Bao changed several postures in a row, looking at the brocade - lying on his stomach, lying down, sitting, and standing. Bo Ji came slowly, followed by two maids holding lamps.She said: "Even if you regard it as ashes, you can't go." Wei Bao said, "I am..." Bo Ji raised her hand, the maid put the lamp in place, and stepped back in small steps. Wei Bao went on to say: "It's just scratching the heart and scratching the liver, itching." Bo Ji said, "Have you forgotten what I said?" Wei Bao laughed and came over to hug Bao Ji and said, "How dare you. I just think this is an opportunity. Emperor Yi personally sent a letter, how glorious..." Bo Ji said: "Every king has received a life-demand letter, which is really glorious." Wei Bao was startled and said, "Desperate? Emperor Yi obviously invited me to visit him in Pengcheng." Bo Ji asked: "Who has the final say in Pengcheng?" Wei Bao said, "Xiang Yu." Bo Ji asked again: "Why did Emperor Yi want you to sneak into the city?" Wei Bao said, "I don't know." Bo Ji said, "Did you ever steal chickens from a village woman's house when you were down and out?" Wei Bao said, "Of course I stole it." Bo Ji said: "I'm going to rest." After saying that, she turned and left. Wei Bao said to himself: "Why is it like this again? It's this kind of conversation again. Why do I feel like it's always being repeated?" Bo Ji walked away.Wei Bao trotted after him and said, "Ma'am! Ma'am, wait for me. I didn't want to steal Xiang Yu's chicken either!" In the cellar of a wine shop in Pengcheng, there is an iron pot on the stove, and the wine inside is steaming.There were two people sitting facing north, Zhang Er and Chen Yu. King Huai picked up two green plums, threw them into the pot, and then leaned over and said, "It's rare that there are loyal people in the world. I am very grateful!" Zhang Er hurriedly supported King Huai and said, "You are the orthodox blood of the Chu Kingdom, and the world should belong to you. Zhang Er can't bear such a big gift." Chen Yu said with a smile: "King Chang Shan, we are hiding in the dark wine cellar, let's stop talking about these useless nonsense." Zhang Er turned around and reprimanded: "In front of Emperor Yi, you are too presumptuous!" Chen Yu said: "I just want to know, what can I get after it is done?" King Huai said: "Assist ten thousand soldiers and horses, and I will grant you a county of land." Zhang Er questioned: "Chen Yu! Do you understand etiquette?" Chen Yu said: "Xiang Yu may find us at any time, and it is better to be straightforward if we want to get things done." He turned to King Huai and said: "After the Qin Dynasty was destroyed, there will be no such thing as a county in the world." King Huai had no choice but to say: "50,000 soldiers and horses, I will give you a country." Chen Yu said: "There are big ones in the state and small ones. Please explain clearly." King Huai said: "Chu's land is now fifty percent." Chen Yu nodded and said: "In this case, I agree." Then he got up and said, "The matter has been negotiated, Chen Yu will leave." After speaking, he left without looking back. King Huai said with emotion: "It's still the loyal and honest Zhao Xiang." Zhang Er said: "Half of Chu's land can be exchanged for 50,000 soldiers and horses?" King Huai said, "That's right." Zhang Er said: "I will send 80,000 troops. I wonder if you would like me to be in charge of Zhao and Dai?" King Huai was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. Chen Yu came out of the cellar, turned around and went to the Chu Palace, he fell down in front of Xiang Yu like a dog, and told everything just now. Xiang Yu asked, "One county for ten thousand soldiers?" Chen Yu replied: "Yes." Xiang Yu asked again: "Fifty thousand soldiers, seal a country?" Chen Yu replied: "Yes." Xiang Yu had a playful smile on his face, he just held back his laughter, but then laughed again. Chen Yu said anxiously: "What's so funny? Emperor Yi and King Changshan are going to turn against you!" Xiang Yu said, "I have a question I want to ask you." Chen Yudao: "Please speak, Your Majesty." Xiang Yu said, "You have traveled thousands of miles to Pengcheng, what do you want?" Chen Yu said: "I want to be King Zhao!" Xiang Yu said: "At the end of the day, you just want to annex Zhang Er's territory." Before Chen Yu could answer, Xiang Yu said, "Yes!" Chen Yu was very surprised. Xiang Yu went on to say: "Please go and have a good rest first. When the rooster crows, there is a long pavilion ten miles east of the city. The widow will give you a gift." Chen Yu was completely confused. Xiang Yu said, "Mr. Fan will tell you." In the ten-mile long pavilion to the east of Pengcheng, King Huai sat in the middle, wearing court clothes and protected by several Xiang Yu's guards.The maid was at the side helping King Huai with a fan.King Huai tried his best to pretend to be calm. Xiang Yu asked: "Emperor Yi, it's frosty and dew season, is it so hot?" King Huai said, "The body is so weak." Xiang Yu said: "Then you need to take good care of yourself. Drink less alcohol, especially wine from green plums." King Huai sweated even more, and smiled with a stiff face. Yu Ziqi stepped forward and said, "Chen Yu brought it here." When King Huai heard the name, he stood up abruptly. Xiang Yu looked at him and said, "Sit down." King Huai had no choice but to sit down obediently. Chen Yu came in armor, with a sword hanging from his waist, and said, "I report to Overlord and Emperor Yi. Zhang Er, the rebel king of Changshan, plotted a rebellion, and I saw through it. Zhang Er escaped from Pengcheng and headed north!" Xiang Yu said: "Emperor Yi is respected, please deal with it." King Huai asked, "How did he rebel? Do you have evidence?" Chen Yu shouted to the back: "Bring it up." Several armored soldiers immediately escorted an eunuch and came over.This person was the last servant beside King Huai. King Huai asked in surprise, "This?" Chen Yu said: "This person conspired with Zhang Er in the name of Emperor Yi. He promised 10,000 soldiers for one county and 50,000 soldiers to rule a country. This is a treasonous act. Please deal with it by Emperor Yi." King Huai had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask, "Tell me, what's going on?" The eunuch opened his mouth, his tongue was cut off. Chen Yu said again: "He spread rumors in the city, saying that he obeyed your will. Chen Yu shut him up for the sake of Emperor Yi's reputation. But he has already confessed before." Xiang Yu said: "Excuse me, Emperor Yi, do you know about this matter?" Emperor Yi hesitated and did not speak. Xiang Yu nodded and said, "Xiang Yu understands, Emperor Yi knows." King Huai repeatedly waved his hands and said, "I don't know, I don't know." Xiang Yu quickly pulled out his sword, turned the hilt upside down and handed it to Emperor Yi, saying, "You decide for yourself." King Huai only took one look at Xiang Yu, and then trembled with fright.He finally plucked up the courage and cut off the eunuch's head with his own hands. With a bang, the sword fell to the ground.King Huai fainted immediately. Back in the Chu palace, Xiang Yu said, "Yafu, this time Yu'er did exactly what you wanted. Should you be satisfied?" Fan Zeng said: "Yu'er, you are the Overlord..." Xiang Yu said, "Don't pour cold water on it." Fan Zeng said, "It's the right thing to do this time." Xiang Yu said: "Even if Emperor Yi has a great heart, he is exhausted now. He is no longer a threat to the widow. But, why did Yafu let Zhang Er go on purpose and send Chen Yu to destroy him? Just arrest Zhang Er Why don't you just get up and kill him?" Fan Zeng said, "Did you give Chen Yu a formal order?" Xiang Yu said, "No." Fan Zeng said: "In this case, Chen Yu will take the initiative to declare war on Zhang Er. If he wins, Zhang Er will be the one who will perish. Chen Yu will think of you if he wins Zhang Er's Zhao Kingdom. If Chen Yu loses , Zhang Er must have been severely injured after the war. You should announce today's events and destroy him in the name of peace." Xiang Yu nodded and said, "It's like throwing a piece of fat to two hungry tigers and letting them fight for food." Fan Zeng said: "This piece of meat is the land of Zhao State." In the granary, Han Xin was talking to Xiao He.The granary was already empty, except for a bamboo basket filled with wild fruits.Han Xin said excitedly: "I quit! Let me tell you, Xiao He, Han Xin can't do this job!" Xiao He said, "Isn't it difficult for you to urge the gathering of wild fruits?" Han Xin said: "Difficult! It is extremely difficult for me!" Xiao He said: "So you went up the mountain late at night and picked a basket yourself? You don't have to go there yourself, for the general..." Han Dao said, "Come on! I don't need you to teach me how to be a general!" Xiao He said: "However, it is obvious that the soldiers under your command don't listen to you." Han Xin said: "What kind of soldiers are my men? Some of them are blind in their left eye and can only write and engrave, and some of them are blind in their right eye and can only yell. As for the others, both eyes are intact, but It's like being blind, I can't do anything! I feel like I'm going to be blind every day when I'm with them!" Xiao He said: "Writing and engraving records and directing transportation are small things for you, but they are very important for them. In the same way, it is a small thing for you to supervise their work, but for me, But it's important." Han Xin said: "Let's be clear, I just can't stand this kind of thinking. People have their own strengths and weaknesses. Why do I have to start with this kind of thing? Why does everyone have to be like this?" Xiao He said: "If you can't do small things well, how can you do big things?" Han Dao said: "So you plan to govern the country with the same method as governing a county?" Xiao He said: "Ability always needs to be proved little by little." Han Xin said, "I don't need to prove it." Xiao He said, "But you didn't let everyone see it." Han Dao said, "That's because you won't let me!" Xiao He said: "Many people who think they are capable always think so, because others don't give them opportunities, so they don't show their talents. But why should you be given opportunities? What is the difference between you and others? I don't have any See." Han Xin said: "I understand it. You are not wrong, and I am not wrong. I can only say that this world is wrong. When I, Han Xin, made a mistake, I worked so hard to get the contempt of the villain! Of course, I am not Tell me, my lord." Xiao He said: "It's okay if you say I am, Xiao He has never thought that he is a big shot. But have you ever thought about it, is it true that your ability can only be a halberd master?" Han Xin grabbed the big halberd beside him, pretended to be a halberd-bearer and said, "A halberd-bearer? Yes! I can't do these things well. I can't stand like a fool all day long. Such a simple thing It’s so easy to do well, you just need to exhaust yourself, but you don’t need to use your brain.” Xiao He said: "A halberd bearer only needs an empty head." Han Xin picked up the bamboo basket with a big halberd, and the fruit rolled on the ground, saying: "But I am not! I am overwhelmed by the thoughts in my head! I remember the direction of every river, the height of every mountain, The terrain of each pass. I have thousands of troops in my heart, imagining them in formation. What is Meng Tian? Two hundred thousand people beat thirty thousand others, and they call themselves generals? Bai Qi? Is that called fighting? Killing the enemy 10,000, 8,000 at your own expense! Qin’s family fortune was wiped out by him just like that! I am stronger than them all.” Xiao He said: "Maybe that's the case. When you were born wrong, you didn't have the chance to compete with the famous generals of the past." Han Xin said: "No, no, no! It's not that I was born at the wrong time, but that I shouldn't have been born at all. As I said, I'm superfluous in the face of these mediocre people and idiots, in such a chaotic and unfair world!" Xiao He didn't answer, and remained silent for a while.Han Xin finished venting and stared at Xiao He. Only then did Xiao He say: "I just discovered today that you are such a person who can suppress emotions." Xiao He slowly picked up the messy fruits on the ground and put them back into the bamboo basket one by one.He said calmly: "In your opinion, the world is full of mediocre people. Maybe you are right. But in my Xiao He's eyes, there are only two kinds of people: those who can handle errands well, and those who can't. Besides, It doesn't matter." After finishing speaking, he went out without looking back. Han Xin looked at the wild fruits on the ground, thinking about Xiao He's words. The storage place of the Han army's military rations.The two military academies and Xiao He's masters quarreled and yelled. There were three pottery urns on the ground, weighing ten catties, seven catties, and three catties. A tall military academy said: "My lord, hurry up! I can't explain if I'm late." Another short military academy said: "Yes! I am also in a hurry to go back to work." The chief secretary scratched his head and said, "Aren't you embarrassing me? There are only three urns here, ten catties, seven catties, and three catties. How can we divide them? No way! Or, come back tomorrow?" The two military academies said at the same time: "No!" Han Xin walked over coldly, pretending he didn't see it.Seeing Han Xin, the chief secretary hurried over to hold him back and said, "Master Han Xin, I'm in some trouble and I need your help." Han Xin was pulled over. He took a look and saw that the ten-jin oil urn was full, but the other two urns were still empty. He said, "It's such an easy matter, do you still need to find me?" The master said: "Easy? Both of them will take away five catties, but it is impossible to divide them evenly among these three urns!" Han Xin shook his head, turned around and was about to leave. The tall military academy said: "Who doesn't know how to talk big?" The short military academy said: "Just pat your ass and leave, obviously you have no recruits!" Some sergeants gathered around to watch the excitement.Xiao He saw this scene from a distance, stood quietly on the side, watched, and booed: "Master Captain, you must do what you say... I don't care about these small things, and you can just yell all day... Lord Captain , don't embarrass yourself!" Han Xin smiled, pointed to the ten-pound oil urn and said, "Lift it up and fill the three-pound one." The two military academies were taken aback for a moment, but they followed suit. The chief secretary whispered: "My lord, with so many sergeants watching, we can't afford to lose this man if we make a mistake." Han Xinquan pretended not to hear, and continued to order: "Pour the three catties into the seven catty urn." ... Xiao He stood with his arms crossed, watched from afar, and nodded repeatedly.Unknowingly, half a stick of incense passed... Han Xin said: "Now there are eight catties of oil in the ten catty urn, and two catties in the three catty urn. This one is empty." The master said: "After tossing for a long time, it's still not evenly divided!" Han Xin said, "Go ahead. Pour two catties into this empty seven-jin urn. Use the ten-jin urn to fill up the three-jin urn, and then pour it into the seven-jin urn." The cadets did as well. Han Xin said, "Isn't there exactly five catties of oil in the seven catties jar? The three catties jar is empty. There are only ten catties in total, and the remaining ten catties are also five catties!" After all, Han Xin swaggered away.All the soldiers gathered around to look at the three urns on the ground, and they were all amazed. Xiao He looked at Han Xin's leaving back with satisfaction and smiled. Turning around, Xia Houying took the command arrow from Xiao He and handed it to Han Xin with both hands. Han Xin asked: "The prime minister asked me to be in charge of the food?" Xiao He said: "This task is not easy to handle." Han Xin said: "Escorting food and grass, a team of soldiers and a few corporal leaders can do it, what's so difficult?" Xiao He said: "Our army will reach Nanzheng next month, but the army has almost eaten up all the wild fruits. I sent people to search all the villages within thirty miles, and finally got some food and grass. More than 13,000 catties. Look here." Xiao He pointed to the map behind him, on which there were seven or eight scattered dots. "There are only difficult mountain roads between the villages, with potholes and unevenness. On the flattest places, only small carts carrying hundreds of catties can be used. Now there are only a dozen small carts in the army for you to use. I will limit it to five days. At dawn, I will wait for your food." Han Xin glanced at the map, thought for a while and asked, "Can it be delivered in batches?" Xiao He said: "No." Han Xin said: "More than ten vehicles can only carry back more than a thousand catties of grain at most, which is not enough." Xiao He said: "It's really not enough. It depends on your ability. How to dispatch, where to disperse, and when to gather before going on the road are all up to you. Dare to accept orders?" Without hesitation, Han Xin took the command arrow with both hands and said, "Han Xin has the command!" Xiao He said: "Postponement, insufficient quantity, ask to kill!" Han Xin stood up and said, "Here!" At dawn five days later, Xiao He stood at the edge of the camp with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance.There are rugged trees and rugged mountain roads, but Han Xin and grain and grass are not seen.Until night fell, the bonfire in the village was lit.Xiao He still stood there motionless.Han Xin never showed up. The time to bury the pot for cooking has passed, and the whole army is waiting for the food to go into the pot.Xiao He had no choice but to order 200 soldiers to go into the nearby forest to look for food.Everything that looks edible, but not deadly, will be shipped back!At this time, Han Xin came back! However, the amount of grain and grass transported back by Han Xin was not enough. He only transported a small part of it, and most of it did not arrive. Xiao He ordered: "Distribute the food and grass to the battalions quickly, as much as you have, immediately!" Turning his head, he said to Han Xin: "You are late, and the number is not enough. How can you explain?" Han Dao said, "There is no need to explain this." Xiao He said: "You are the one who speaks out loud!" As soon as the words fell, a fast horse rushed into Dazhai and came straight towards Xiao He.The general immediately got off his horse and it was Cao Shen who said, "Prime Minister! There is an urgent military situation!" Xiao He said, "Speak." Cao Shendao: "Your Majesty's Central Army suddenly broke up their camp half an hour ago and set off to the southwest. The left and right battalions have received orders and set off immediately. Your Majesty ordered the Prime Minister to deliver food and grass to the Central Army before noon tomorrow." Xiao He said: "Here!" Cao Shen took out a rolled sheepskin map and handed it to Xiao He: "This is the king's marching route. The first station is Aogu thirty miles away." Xiao He took it and put it in his sleeve.他拽着曹参的手臂问：“大王为何突然做这样的决定？我完全来不及准备呀！” 曹参说：“不是您来不及，全军上上下下都不知道是怎么回事。但令已下，只能遵命行事。粮草的事没人比您更有本事，大王肯定是放心的。” 萧何道：“不瞒你说，我……” 韩信突然说：“曹将军说得对。粮草齐备，一切都在掌握之中。” 萧何和夏侯婴愕然地看着韩信。 萧何所领的后军缓缓前行着，萧何心事重重地走着，步履沉重。韩信轻盈地走在他身旁。 萧何问：“韩信，你还不肯告诉我吗？这是怎么回事？” 韩信道：“丞相请放心，只管前进。往前十里就到翱谷了，您很快就明白了。” 萧何突然停下来问：“延期、不足数的事儿我先不问，你凭什么向曹参保证大王中军粮草无虞。难道粮食会从天上掉下来吗？” 韩信微微一笑，不说话。萧何道：“治粟都尉，我在问你话！” 卢绾骑马迎面而来，下马道：“丞相大才！阿绾佩服！佩服！” 萧何蒙了，问：“你说什么？” 卢绾说：“大王让我带话给您。'萧何这家伙真是神了，寡人的中军离他有十多里地，又是最先出发的。他怎么就能把粮食给寡人送到呢？'” 萧何似乎有点明白了，看着韩信。 翱谷的两个小谷仓前，卫士们来回巡视。粮草官们持手令领取粮草，然后押走，秩序井然。 萧何看得目瞪口呆。萧何问：“这是你安排好的？” 韩信道：“正是。请丞相拿出大王给您的行军图。” 萧何从袖中拿出羊皮地图。韩信也从腰间束带上抽出一张卷着的地图。 韩信说：“你我一同展开。” 两个人展开地图——两张地图材质有别，但标注的行军路线、驻扎点完全吻合。萧何更加惊讶：“难道大王给你下了密令？” 韩信说：“没有。大王的行军路线，韩信是自己猜出来的。我提前两天，就可以完成您的任务，将一万多斤粮草押送回营。途中，韩信注意到早一天夜里的霜在天明前就完全化了。这比往年早了半个月。这是谷雨时节来临的标志。韩信认为大王一定也发现了这一点。按照原先的行军路线，是能在谷雨来到前到达南郑。但今年谷雨早到半个月，计划就得改变。一旦雨水频繁，部队的行军速度就会减慢一倍。那样的话，恐怕到不了南郑，大家都会饿死。大王要想抢在大军彻底断粮前到达南郑，就只能走这条线路。韩信便自作主张沿途建了这些临时粮仓，命人日夜守备。” 萧何沉吟半晌，开口道：“做这样冒险的事，你有几成把握？” 韩信说：“谷雨时节和行军路线，韩信有十成的把握。唯一冒了些险的，就是大王会不会这么果决。我相信自己不会看错人，就跟自己打了个赌。赌输了，人头落地；赢了，我也算不辱使命。好在事实证明，汉王的确是一个英明的王者。” 萧何看着韩信自信满满的样子，暗自佩服。 前面距离汉军行军的第一目的地南郑还有五十里，但是很多人都坚持不住了，不仅士兵逃跑，连将军也跑了不少。这一天，主簿又将逃跑者的名册交给了萧何，说：“相国，这是这几天逃亡的将士的名单。” 萧何看着名单，无奈地叹气。 主簿说：“对了，治粟都尉韩信也跑了。” 萧何问：“什么时候？” 主簿说：“昨天夜里，他本来是去追几个逃跑的士兵的，人没有追回来，他自己也跑了。名单上还没来得及登上他。” 萧何一拍大腿，起身出帐。 主簿问：“您去哪儿？” 萧何没说话，骑马急匆匆离开。 萧何也跑了的消息风一样传遍了全军，也传到了刘邦那里。刘邦惊诧万分：“会这样吗？就算要逃，也不应该把我一个人丢下嘛！追！把萧何抓回来！” 夜路上，萧何骑马狂追。不远的山坡上，有篝火，是韩信在烤火。萧何追到，韩信起身。二人对视许久，突然，萧何打了韩信一个耳光，骂道：“软蛋！懦夫！比娘们儿还不如的家伙！你不是要做大将军吗？怎么做起逃兵来了？” 韩信说：“相国，你就让我走吧。” 萧何说：“我原以为你是个男人，看来我错了！你没有资格抱怨任何人！如果你想永远埋没自己，去做一个默默无闻的农夫，我不拦着你！” 韩信说：“韩信要的不是权力，也不是金钱。我只是一心想凭借自己的能力，在战场上检验一下脑海中反复涌现的无数战局，这才是我今生的愿望。在想象的战局中，我总是大获全胜。只要这些战局还未在战场上获得检验，想象总是不停地涌现，根本停不下来。再这么憋下去，我会发疯。” 萧何说：“那就去告诉汉王，把你胸中的抱负说给他听！” 韩信苦笑着说：“说实话，汉王对我已经很好了，但是，一个小小的都尉，实在埋没了我的才干。治粟都尉？每天早晨一起来，我就必须首先清点士兵和夫役的人数。可我看到的是人一天比一天少了，汉王根本就不想阻止他们。我能做什么呢？第二天醒来，清点更少的士兵和夫役。这个时候我突然觉得，为什么我不跑呢？” 萧何突然拔出剑来，对准韩信。 韩信一惊，问：“怎么，你想杀我吗？” 萧何说：“是的，如果你不为汉王效力，我就必须杀你，你太危险了。” 韩信道：“这世上只有你知道这一点。这是我的幸运呢，还是不幸？” 萧何说：“我最后问你一遍，你回不回去？” 韩信说：“回去做都尉吗？你还是杀了我吧。除了大将军，我不想干任何事情。” 萧何突然把剑收起来，说：“说不定我可以帮你。” 萧何回来见刘邦。刘邦笑嘻嘻地看着萧何问：“回来了？你该不会真是要跑吧？” 萧何说：“我是去追赶逃亡的人。” Liu Bang asked: "Who?" 萧何说：“治粟都尉韩信。” 刘邦大惑不解地说：“又是韩信！我自关中出发，直至此地，那么多勇猛善战的将士都逃了，你什么时候追过？现在偏偏去追一韩信，一个小小的都尉真值得你亲自去追吗？人呢？” 萧何说：“我已安顿他歇息去了，特来报告汉王。” 刘邦说：“萧何，上一次你拍着胸脯亲自跟我保证，我才留了韩信一条性命。这次寡人不会再饶他了！明日必定按军法治罪！” 萧何道：“汉王，我追回韩信，不是为了将他斩首示众，而是因为韩信是个不可多得的将才啊。大王可曾记得不久前您突然改变行军路线的事？是他第一个猜到您的想法，沿途提前设置谷仓。这绝不是一般人能够办到的事。韬略、机智、果敢、担当，将领需要的一切才能他全都具备！这是举世无双的才能。这样的人不该重用吗？” 刘邦说：“你的话，寡人相信。不过就算他有点本事，寡人也不用。” 萧何问：“为何不用？” 刘邦道：“寡人不需要一个逃跑的将军！” 萧何说：“有能力的人，心也大。大王难道就不能让他心服吗？” 刘邦道：“寡人看在你的分上，不杀他，让他继续做治粟都尉吧。” 深夜，刘邦再次挑灯夜读，看着韩信的那些竹简。这一次，刘邦深深地看了进去，精彩之处，不由拍案。 卢绾带着个侍从挑帘要进，侍从端着一个木盘，木盘上有碗肉糜粥……卢绾看了看刘邦，刘邦痴迷于阅读。卢绾冲侍从挥了挥手，两个人默默出去，不敢打搅刘邦。 所有的营帐都已熄灯，只有刘邦那座营帐还亮着灯，一直到朝霞满天天亮了的时候……早晨，樊哙正领着士兵在操练，十分卖力。曹参和夏侯婴路过校练场，曹参不屑地冷笑一声道：“听说了吗？汉王要封大将军了。” 夏侯婴问：“真的？” 曹参说：“你没发觉这几天，樊哙和卢绾操练都特别积极么？” 夏侯婴说：“自打张良回到韩之后，这大将军的职位便一直空缺着。如果汉王真有此意，也难怪他们动这心思。现在军中论忠心、论战功、论出身，能与樊哙和卢绾一争高下的，也便是你和周勃了。但周勃胆小谨慎，还不认识几个字，做个将军是可以，统帅全军恐怕不行。这不像您，做过秦吏，懂律法，知道怎么当官，更何况，你与丞相也是这么多年的朋友，不想争取一下吗？” 曹参说：“夏侯婴，我们背着汉王私下说这样的话，不大合适吧？” 夏侯婴说：“我跟别人也不会说这个。你我都在沛县县衙当过差，算是老交情，我也一直敬佩你的为人，我是真心为你好，也是为汉王好，我觉得你最适合这个位置，真的。” 曹参动了心思，嘴上却又问了一遍：“你觉得我该争取一下？” 这一天，樊哙和卢绾又抓了一批逃兵，正在商量处置办法。 卢绾问：“樊哙，你说这十个追回来的逃兵怎么办？” 樊哙说：“自然是把他们都杀了以正军纪！” 话音未落，周勃和曹参来了。 曹参说：“樊将军不要冲动！最近军中士气低落，军心涣散，每天都有人逃跑，每天也都有人被抓回来杀头。但逃兵越来越多，依我看，杀头已经没什么用了。” 卢绾说：“据我所知，这十个人都是曹将军手下的兵将，我自然能体会曹将军爱惜手下兄弟的心情。但你自己身为军法官，难道要包庇他们吗？” 曹参说：“我的士兵，我自然会好好责罚他们，就算是杀头，今日也要把他们押回去。” 樊哙说：“那怎么行？！要不然，我们让周将军来做个裁决好了。” 周勃的态度则不偏不倚，他说：“我看这件事，请示一下汉王比较好。” 几个人到了刘邦那里，刘邦头疼地看着几位各执己见的将军。 曹参说：“汉王，臣根本无心袒护，只是逃兵问题现在日益严重，让人忧虑万分，我只是希望能找到一个更有效的解决方法而已。可是樊将军一口咬定我偏袒，实在是冤枉。” 樊哙说：“哼，曹将军一向在军中有爱兵如子的好名声，倒显得我们几个像是杀人不眨眼的混蛋。只是军纪就是军纪，打起仗来，好人缘可不能为汉王挡刀枪。” 卢绾说：“樊哙说得对。如果今天姑息了曹将军的兵，那么将来攀比起来，还让我们如何带兵？” 刘邦说：“好了好了，你们都别再说了！那几个逃兵，给我军法处置，曹参，你明白了吗？” 曹参答道：“是。” 刘邦说：“你们这样日日夜夜地吵下去，恐怕还没到南郑，我的耳朵就被你们给吵聋了！看来，军中再这么群龙无首是不行了。你们先退下，我会很快给你们一个说法。” 终于到达南郑之后，因为一路上刘邦的军中逃跑者众多，加上张良走后大将军之职一直空缺，军心出现了涣散的迹象。这一天，萧何再次建议道：“我觉得军队需要有新鲜的力量加入，振奋军纪，提拔年轻的将领，改变目前的颓势。” 刘邦说：“这些天我也在想这个问题，你觉得谁能重振军威呢？曹参？周勃？卢绾？樊哙？还是灌婴？” 萧何摇头道：“也许，需要另外找人！” 刘邦问：“上哪儿找呢？” 萧何说：“我斗胆举荐一人。” 刘邦立刻说：“除了那个讨厌的韩信，其他的寡人会考虑。” 萧何不说话了，刘邦看了他一眼。 萧何道：“臣前些天说的话确实有些不妥，让一个没有军功的人做大将军难以服众。不妨先让他统领左路军，试一试，如果好，我们可以再给他更重的责任。” 刘邦沉吟不答。 萧何说：“我愿意以性命为韩信担保。” 刘邦道：“你敢保到底吗？” 萧何说：“我敢。” 刘邦道：“我说的可是保一辈子。” 萧何说：“是。” 刘邦不吭声了，他在思索。 刚散了廷议，众将在街上走着。 卢绾说：“听说大王开始斋戒了。” 曹参对周勃道：“明日就要拜将了呀。勃，那么这大将之职，依你所见，会落到谁头上呢？” 周勃沉吟一下说：“若论功绩，当推曹参为首。” 卢绾说：“别装糊涂了，若论沉稳刚毅，又有大将风度的，非你莫属。” 周勃面色不悦地说：“休胡言！” 卢绾说：“听说已命礼官选定吉日，正在郊外筑坛。” 灌婴说：“不错，筑坛的是我的部下。” 曹参说：“这次阵仗很大，主公可是认真的。是吧，滕公？” 夏侯婴道：“反正也不是我，多说何益！” 曹参道：“嘿嘿，滕公如今老成练达，不是过去那个马车倌儿啦！” 灌婴说：“听说到了南郑之后，滕公经常憋不住，夜里驾着车子狂奔，人家还以为在闹鬼哩！” 夏侯婴嘿嘿一乐，话里有话地说：“可惜南郑这巴掌大的一块地方，道路崎岖，不能尽情驱驰啊！你们不也觉得憋屈吗？看到我的新车了？” 卢绾说：“一辆轺车而已，有什么特别？” 夏侯婴说：“嘿，瞧仔细了，这可不是普通的轺车！看看轮辋！这样的辋材，乃是将相之车上才能用到的！从咸阳拆卸后运到这里，好不容易啊！” 曹参说：“难道说这里有什么兆头？” 大家点头，心里各自揣摩着。 曹参说：“嗯，好兆头！说不定，大将就是你！” 夏侯婴心下是明白的，但并不说破，便道：“那我坐等着就是喽！” 樊哙立刻骂道：“呸！” 大家不解，看樊哙，不知他为何着恼。 樊哙说：“听你们闲扯，还不如我自去吃酒！”说完，樊哙便独自走了。 马厩里，卢绾在刷马，樊哙焦躁不安地走来走去，说：“哎呀，明天就要拜将了，真的一点儿消息都没有吗？” 卢绾说：“昨日我遇见了曹参，他也是一副摸不着头绪的样子，不像是装出来的。” 樊哙问：“难道是周勃？” 卢绾说：“事到如今，汉王是铁了心要给我们一个惊喜，耐心等待吧。” 樊哙说：“不是个惊吓就好。” 卢绾道：“只要是你我二人中的一个，我便能安心了。” 微雨中，刘邦漫无目的地走着，周绁牵马，跟随身后。突然有笛声传来，于是他向有笛声的篝火走去。刘邦走过那些简陋的营帐，走过在大雨过后的泥泞中坐着、忍耐着的成排成排的兵士们。 刘邦一身泥水，循着笛声走到周勃身后。周勃吹着楚歌，兵士们烤着篝火，专注地听着——大伙并没有发现刘邦。 刘邦听着忧伤的笛声，蹲下用木杖拨着水壶下的残火，火光映照着他的脸。 笛声骤然停了，周勃发现了刘邦，忽地站起，慌忙一揖道：“主公！” 众老兵呼啦一声都慌忙地站了起来。刘邦也站了起来。 一个老兵士抢着说：“啊！大王！失礼，失礼！我就是从芒砀山起投奔大王的寇骞啊！”另一个老兵士说：“我是从丰邑便跟从您的贺随啊。” 刘邦赶紧说：“记得！都记得！” 寇骞跪下道：“啊，大王，失礼了！” 哗一声兵士们都跪下了……跪在泥水里齐声道：